If you are preparing to take the OAT assessment, you may want to consider taking an OAT course offered by Varsity Tutors. The OAT is an important exam for assessing your potential success in an optometry education program. If you've ever spent time online searching for things like "OAT tutoring near me", then you probably already know how effective it can be to get OAT test prep help from an expert instructor. Being properly prepared through OAT preparation can be an important factor in helping you to feel more confident on exam day. When you feel confident in your skills, you can be less nervous and recall learned material more easily. Contact Varsity Tutors today to get more information on the benefits of OAT prep.
Why Take the OAT Examination?
Students across the country decide to take the OAT when they make the decision to attend optometry school. In fact, taking this exam is a required part of the admissions process at each of the 20 optometry schools you can attend in the United States and Puerto Rico. Beyond that, a solid score on the OAT could make you a more attractive candidate for admission at the schools you ultimately apply to.
Additionally, when you earn a strong OAT score, you may have the potential to earn more scholarship money. Optometry school can be very expensive so you should make every effort you can to take advantage of the scholarship opportunities that are available to optometry school candidates. Of course, getting a strong score on the OAT is something that is easier said than done. OAT test prep from Varsity Tutors may be the missing piece to your OAT test preparation plan. You can learn more about the benefits of OAT test prep and the exam itself by continuing to read below.
OAT Eligibility Requirements
There aren't many requirements that you need to satisfy in order to become eligible to take the OAT. The test is given by the Association of Schools and College of Optometry, or ASCO. They do recommend that potential test takers wait to take the OAT exam until they've completed at least two years of their college education. This is because doing well on the OAT requires a solid understanding of scientific subjects like biology, physics, and chemistry.
You'll also want to make sure that you sign up for the OAT exam slot of your preference well in advance of your optometry school admissions cycle. This ensures that you get your test score back with enough time to spare so that you can still apply to optometry schools early in the admissions cycle. Applying early to these schools is a good idea because of the competitive nature of their admissions process.
Taking the OAT exam early also gives you the opportunity to retake the test if you aren't happy with your initial score. If you do decide to retake your exam, then you'll want to keep a few things in mind. First, you'll have to wait at least 90 days from the date you took your last OAT test before you become eligible to take the exam again. Similarly, candidates who have already taken the exam three times must apply in writing to take the OAT test another time. If you find yourself in this scenario, then you'll also only be allowed to take the OAT one time per 12 month cycle.
These restrictions for retaking the OAT exam were instituted to ensure that students who retake the exam have the opportunity to study the material that gave them trouble when they took the exam last time. However, it can be difficult to create a strong OAT test preparation plan without any guidance. You may want to contact Varsity Tutors and inquire about OAT test prep assistance if you're looking for extra help with your study sessions.
Breaking Down the OAT Exam
The Optometry admission exam comprises four tests that are timed as detailed in the chart below. OAT tutors can work with you during OAT test prep to improve your test-taking skills:
Survey of Natural Sciences |
90 Minutes |
Reading Comprehension Test |
50 Minutes |
Physics Test |
50 Minutes |
Quantitative Reasoning Test |
45 Minutes |
The OAT exam was designed to assess how prepared candidates for optometry school are to continue with their studies at a higher academic level. To that end, the exam focuses on the skills that you'll need to have in order to find success in optometry school as well as when working as a practicing optometrist. Specifically, you'll be asked to answer a lot of questions focusing on scientific knowledge and analytical ability. Below, you'll find a more detailed look at each section on the OAT.
The test's first section, Survey of Natural Sciences, focuses on the topics of chemistry and biology. You'll be asked to answer a total of 100 multiple-choice questions within the section's 90 minute time limit. This means that you'll need to work quickly in order to answer everything without running into time issues. If you'd like some help with being able to work through this section quickly, then you can easily get it with OAT test prep assistance from Varsity Tutors.
The next test section is called Reading Comprehension. As its name suggests, this section focuses on your ability to understand and analyze dense written materials. You'll be asked to answer 50 multiple-choice questions that are based on a series of complex written passages. Again, if you need help developing your reading comprehension skills, you can get it through OAT test prep help.
Next, the third section of the exam focuses exclusively on physics. The following bullet list details some of the test topics that you will encounter. Your tutor can review these topics and others with you during OAT tutoring to gauge your skill level.
- Units and Vectors
- Statics
- Dynamics
- Rotational Motion
- Algebra
- Statistics
- Data Analysis
- Reading passages requiring comprehension and analysis
Finally, the last section of the OAT exam is called Quantitative Reasoning. This test section focuses on your analytical and mathematical abilities. To perform well on this part of the exam, you'll need a strong understanding of a range of math topics, including advanced trigonometry.
There are clearly a lot of different skills that you'll need to be successful when taking the OAT exam. Studying all of this material can be difficult to do alone. Why not let Varsity Tutors help you study with an in-depth OAT test prep plan? To get OAT test prep help, you don't have to search online for things like "OAT tutoring near me". Instead, simply contact an educational director today to learn more about each OAT prep option that is available to choose from.
Finding the Best OAT Prep Option For Your Needs
When you sign up for OAT prep assistance with Varsity Tutors, there are a few different OAT prep options that you can choose from. When selecting the OAT prep choice that makes the most sense for you, it's a good idea to think about how the OAT prep option fits with your learning style and test goals. Below, you'll get a more detailed look at each type of OAT prep that is offered by Varsity Tutors.
The first OAT prep option you may be interested in is OAT tutoring. This form of OAT test preparation is conducted in a one-on-one learning environment that is free of distractions. OAT prep with OAT tutors gives you the chance to work with a qualified tutor who can answer any questions you have about the material. Take full advantage of the time you spend with your tutor in the OAT classes to openly communicate about the material and any weak areas you have.
During an OAT prep session, the tutor can give you a baseline assessment to clearly define areas where you're excelling and areas where you need work. This assessment is an invaluable tool in OAT courses because it enables the tutor to create a customized plan for tutoring. OAT tutors can set benchmarks to measure progress during the OAT test prep.
Alternatively, you may also be interested in taking a small group OAT class. Taking an OAT class that has this format may be the right option for you if you've previously enjoyed learning in the classroom environment. Your OAT classes will be taught by an expert on the exam who knows what it takes to perform well on it. OAT classes even replicate some aspects of private OAT tutoring in that they offer the opportunity to work with your OAT preparation instructor in a one-on-one environment if you need extra help with a challenging topic. If you think this test preparation option is the best fit for you, then you don't need to search online for "OAT classes near me" to get started. Instead, you can just contact an educational director at Varsity Tutors today if you're ready to get started.
You can benefit from OAT test prep if you get nervous when taking standardized tests. Your tutor can work with you to share relaxation techniques that can help you relax on the exam day. OAT tutors can help you hone your study skills so you are able to feel confident when studying, which can improve recall on test day. There are no magic methods here, but the OAT preparation instructor can show you the best way to relax when you feel pressured.
Time management is an important factor when taking a timed test. You need to make sure that you spend the right amount of time on each question and section. That is another reason why OAT test preparation is so invaluable. The tutor can give you timed practice tests so you both can see how you would perform on exam day. After completing practice tests, the tutor can gauge your progress and continually reevaluate the structure of the tutoring.
Another benefit you can receive from the OAT courses you ultimately sign up for is flexibility. When you sign up to take OAT courses, we make every effort to connect you with an experienced educator who can meet your scheduling needs. You'll also be able to engage in our Live Learning Platform to participate in online tutoring. The flexibility that you'll find through OAT courses ensures that you can get the test preparation help that you've been searching for without having to worry about how it will impact the rest of your life.
Understanding OAT Score
The OAT is scored on a scale ranging from 200 to 400. Depending on the test year, a score of 300 is typically the median. To put this in perspective, if you earned a score of 350 while taking your exam, then you would be at about the 90th percentile. If you're not familiar with how the percentile system works, this simply means that a score of 350 would be better than about 90% of the other individuals who took the same exam you did.
As touched on previously, the admissions process at optometry schools is notoriously competitive. With only 20 schools to choose from, there just aren't enough slots for all of the students who want to attend optometry school to get accepted. This is why getting a strong OAT score is so important. You want to put your best foot forward when applying to these schools. To that end, taking an OAT course with Varsity Tutors could be the right way for you to get more out of your study sessions.
Getting Started With Your Own Ideal OAT Course
If you plan on taking the OAT soon, then signing up for OAT courses could help you increase the efficiency and effectiveness of your test preparation plan. To get started, you don't have to look online for "OAT courses near me". Instead, just get in touch with an educational director at Varsity Tutors to learn more about the test preparation options that you can choose from. You can increase your confidence level in your knowledge of the material covered on the OAT exam by completing OAT prep with the help of Varsity Tutors. Our Educational Directors are ready to discuss all of the benefits of OAT test prep with you. Get started with an OAT class today.
Kevin: OAT test prep instructor
...in my 2nd year of medical school at the University of Central Florida. I previously graduated Cum Laude from the University of California, San Diego with a degree in Human Biology and Education Studies. I was an Academic Mentor for underprivileged San Diego communities. I was also a Teaching Assistant for the Biology department at UCSD. I have taught in a variety of settings; from one-on-one tutoring to review sessions for 300 people in a...
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor of Science, Human Biology/Education Studies
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- PCAT
- MCAT
- DAT
- +97 subjects
Alexandra: OAT test prep instructor
...am a rising senior at The University of North Texas in Denton. I am working towards my Bachelor of Arts in Spanish as well as English with a concentration in Creative Writing. I was raised in an academically competitive environment in Fort Bend County and my rigorous secondary education prepared me for success in college. I am a fortunate member of the Terry Scholarship Foundation, which has provided me and hundreds of other Texans with...
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- DAT
- GRE
- PCAT
- +308 subjects
Daniel: OAT test prep instructor
...am a graduate student from University of Washington. I received my Bachelor of Science in General Biology. Since graduation from undergrad, I have been working as a tutor for Highline Community College and volunteered in many hospitals to gain experience in the health care profession. While at Highline, I tutored college students who struggle in their classes. I worked with a very diverse group of students whose age ranges from 16 to 40 and they...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelor of Science, General Biology
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- MCAT
- PCAT
- GMAT
- +55 subjects
Arianna: OAT test prep instructor
...I am a Dartmouth graduate. I am currently working on my med and business endeavors. I have not only an interest, but a motivation to help others. I have helped students get into Ivy League schools as well as other top universities across the country with top scholarships. I tutor in all subjects from French to Essay Writing and Algebra to Chemistry! I want my students and tutees to see the value in themselves and...
Education & Certification
- Dartmouth College - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- MCAT
- PCAT
- Business Analytics
- +437 subjects
Raghavendra: OAT test prep instructor
...have always believed that true learning comes from nurturing creativity. Both as an instructor and a student I have tried to come up with different ways to facilitate free thinking and exploration of fundamental concepts. Throughout my life, I have tried to convince people that math is fun and something that can be appreciated if looked at appropriately. I graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign in December 2021 with a major in Math...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- PCAT
- GRE
- PRAXIS Core Math
- +106 subjects
Emily: OAT test prep instructor
...know you want only the best for your student! My services will improve your student's core knowledge as well as their test-taking skills. Synthesis is my strength, and I strive to pass it on. As a career scientist and writer, my greatest pleasure has always been sharing the joy of learning with others. In my own collegiate career, I was awarded the top two scholarships available to undergraduates, and I was honored with the Dean's...
Education & Certification
- Eastern Kentucky University - Bachelor of Science, Wildlife, Fish, and Wildlands Science and Management
- Johns Hopkins University - Master of Arts, Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- LSAT
- PCAT
- GMAT
- +140 subjects
Charles: OAT test prep instructor
...activities, to cater to different learning styles. Moreover, I emphasize the importance of developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. My goal is not only to help students excel academically but also to equip them with the tools they need to become independent learners. I encourage my students to approach problems with curiosity and resilience, fostering a growth mindset that will serve them well beyond the classroom. Tutoring has also taught me invaluable lessons in patience,...
Education & Certification
- George Mason University - Bachelor of Science, Computational Science
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- GMAT
- ADAT - Advanced Dental Admission Test
- LSAT
- +1410 subjects
Maxum: OAT test prep instructor
I began my career in Physics and Mechanical Engineering beginning at Earlham and finishing at Columbia University. I now work as a Software Engineer in finance. Historically, I've tutoring anything in math, hard science, or computer science. I'm willing to help any student.... Everyone is interested in math and physics. Anyone can learn these subjects. There just needs to be more time spent gaining mathematical literacy in this country.... Introduce myself and make the student as comfortable as possible.
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- Test Prep
- Engineering
- Music
- +148 subjects
Courtenay: OAT test prep instructor
History Major and Jewish Studies Minor from the University of Virginia. Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center. I enjoy working with students of all ages in a range of different subjects. I am committed to developing tailored learning plans designed to help each student achieve his or her goals.
Education & Certification
- University of Virginia-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, History
- The Georgetown University Law Center - Juris Doctor, Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- GRE
- MCAT
- PCAT
- +134 subjects
Scott: OAT test prep instructor
Thank you for considering me for your tutoring needs. My professional life has been dedicated to helping young people reach their full potential as a classroom teacher, personal tutor, and coach. Of one thing I am convinced, ALL students have the capacity to learn...the trick is in finding the process by which that learning is accepted and able to be utilized by the student when needed. Kindest regards, Scott Colvin
Education & Certification
- California State University-Northridge - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Stony Brook University - Master of Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- PCAT
- LSAT
- GRE
- +85 subjects
Jennie: OAT test prep instructor
...love to teach high school and college students in my areas of expertise, which are English language and literature, Latin language and literature, writing and test prep. I enjoy helping students achieve their academic goals which will help them achieve the future they envision. I am a lifetime graduate student by choice because I have many areas of interest. I have three degrees from Georgia State University, a bachelors, masters and specialist degree, in English,...
Education & Certification
- Georgia State University - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Georgia State University - Masters in Education, Latin
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- LSAT
- GRE
- MCAT
- +215 subjects
Stephanie: OAT test prep instructor
...a dedicated and goal-driven professional educator//Paraprofessional with a solid commitment to the social and academic growth and development of every student. I have always been passionate about education and its potential to transform lives. Through my experiences working in various schools, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of individualized learning. Therefore, I have made it my primary objective to create a safe and inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and...
Education & Certification
- Saint Johns River State College - Associate in Science, Education
- Saint Johns River State College - Bachelor in Arts, Multicultural Education
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- DAT
- LSAT
- GRE
- +234 subjects
Laura: OAT test prep instructor
I love to work with each individual to ensure that they achieve the best and highest education possible in the shortest time. My goal is to ensure that each professional succeeds in the field they are aspiring to enter and remember the fundamentals to perform successfully.
Education & Certification
- University of North Carolina at Pembroke - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
- Valdosta State University - Bachelor in Arts, Spanish
- Campbell University - Doctor of Science, Pharmacy
- Idaho State University - Master of Arts, Spanish
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- DAT
- PCAT
- GRE Subject Test in Biology
- +97 subjects
Kevin: OAT test prep instructor
I believe that all students (primary, secondary, and post-secondary) should be provided with the best education. Therefore, every student should be able to ascertain knowledge from a variety of realms: in class, out of class, in a book, by a teacher, or a mentor.
Education & Certification
- Wright State University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
- Miami University-Oxford - Master of Science, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- AP US History
- Biology
- Chemistry
- +66 subjects
Jeremy: OAT test prep instructor
I am a newly graduated Optometrist. I graduated from Midwestern University - Arizona College of Optometry in Glendale, AZ in May 2020. I passed all 3 parts of NBEO on the first time. My class had the highest pass rate for NBEO Part 1 and Part 2 in the nation. I was on a committee during Optometry school to help my class prepare for NBEO parts 1 and 2.
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science
- Midwestern University-Glendale - Doctor of Optometry, Optometry
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- MCAT
- OAT Quantitative Reasoning
- OAT Physics
- +3 subjects
Dr. Sudhanva: OAT test prep instructor
I believe that education is the road to progress in life. I am very interactive in my sessions. About me, I have a PhD in nuclear astrophysics. My research focus is neutron stars, supernovae and binary merger of neutron stars. I also have a masters in mathematics, with specialization in Knot theory.
Education & Certification
- The M S University of Baroda - Bachelor of Science, Physics
- Ohio University-Main Campus - Doctor of Philosophy, Nuclear Physics
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- Applied Mathematics
- College Physics
- College Algebra
- +87 subjects
Yongmao: OAT test prep instructor
...have a Ph.D in Organic Chemistry and an MBA in Management Information Systems. I'm an adjunct faculty member teaching Introductory Chemistry, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemistry and Society, and Chemistry for Healthcare Professionals, at the college level. Throughout my graduate studies, and most recently teaching Chemistry courses at The University of Tampa and Hillsborough Community College, I have gained valuable experience teaching college chemistry lectures, recitations and laboratories. Always, I try my best to get...
Education & Certification
- Nankai University - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
- Washington University in St Louis - Doctor of Philosophy, Organic Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- DAT
- GMAT
- GRE Subject Tests
- +145 subjects
Dominic: OAT test prep instructor
...is my passion. I enjoy helping students arrive at their 'aha' moment. I earned my associate degree from the University of Wisconsin - Sheboygan; my bachelor's degree from Silver Lake College (SLC) of the Holy Family and my master's from there as well. Currently I am pursuing my doctorate in online education from American College of Education (ACE). I have been a full-time instructor with the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) for the last eleven...
Education & Certification
- Silver Lake College of the Holy Family - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Management
- Silver Lake College of the Holy Family - Master of Science, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- Technical Certifications
- Languages
- High School English
- +89 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Colorado Boulder - Bachelor in Arts, Physics
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- GMAT
- GRE
- Pre-Algebra
- +166 subjects
Jaya: OAT test prep instructor
Hi there! I am Jaya Ponnaluru, an Undergraduate student at North Carolina State University majoring in Computer Engineering and minoring in Business Administration. I am also a part of the Undergraduate Research and Honors Program at NC State. I believe success is possible if we learn out of our failures and everyone fails before they succeed.
Education & Certification
- North Carolina State University at Raleigh - Bachelor of Science, Computer Engineering, General
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- AP Calculus BC
- Business
- Elementary School Reading
- +45 subjects